Fight for justice on Easter Island

[Stacey King]

ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA PACIFIC BEAT Updated December 20, 2010 09:06:11

There hasn't been much news out of Rapa Nui since the violent clash between residents and the Chilean military earlier this month.

But as Hawaii Public Radio's Kayla Rosenfeld reports, one activist is still seeking justice for the people of his island, know to many as Easter Island.

Presenter: Kayla Rosenfeld.
Speaker: Santi Hitorangi, photo-journalist & activist.

Listen:Windows Media

[Stacey King]

Yes good idea Pele. I'll never forget one of the former Australian High Commissioners in Kiribati who I had a meeting with. He told me the Australian Govt looks at the Banaban politically the same as Bouganville under PNG. The more Banaban representation we can get the better. The Easter Island issue is something very close to Prof Grant McCall and he often has spoken to Ken and I about the similarities and the fact they (Rapa Nui) had a level of automony with Chile. Obvilously now that commercial interests over a growing tourist development and wanting to build hotels there on the automony is now under more military rule. I think all these issues through out the Pacific in today's era are essential for the Banabans to keep abreast of. These issues as you say Pele affect all of us.

[Pelenise Alofa Pilitati]

Rapa Nui is experiencing what West Papua and Banabans have been fighting for - nothing more and more less but Justice!!! We should all stand together with them seeking justice!!! Everytime there is a Pacific Festival, the three indigenous groups (West Papua , Rapa Nui and Banaba) is not represented making the Festivities incomplete! I hope that in future, we will not forget to have these groups represented.
Stacey, remember the PNG woman that was at our restaurant dinner in Brisbane after my presentation on Climate Change? She was one of the organisers for the Pacific Festival. We should contact her to include the three indigenous groups if they are not on their list. You see, these countries may be struggling politically, but we as a Pacific must pull and work together to encourage and strengthen the ties of all Pacific people. Rapa Nui is facing problems but they are Pasifika...they are our people.